Nene Valley Nature Improvement Area [NVNIA]

The Nene Valley NIA, covering an area of 41,350 hectares in the centre of England, contains a fragmented ecological network of statutory and non-statutory sites, including the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA/SSSI (40% of units in favourable condition).

There are many pressures on the NIA, located as it is in the UK's second largest growth area. These include built development, increasing inappropriate public access, and competition for water resources. Land management practices threaten ecosystem services and the connectivity of habitats. The Nene Valley NIA Partnership was formed by its stakeholders to enable a strategic and joined up approach to tackling these issues. The stakeholders form a coalition of experts including new partners and others well established in the valley.

The NIA will reverse the decline in biodiversity and restore the ecological network in the Nene Valley. It will help meet the challenges of a growing population, changing climate, and need to produce food while realising complimentary benefits that create a naturally functioning interlinked landscape. The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA forms the core of the NIA acting as the building block from which a coherent and resilient ecological network will be achieved.

A Habitat Opportunity Map will be completed by April 2012 and will set out a unified vision for the natural landscape of the Nene Valley.

It presents a landmark in nature conservation for Northamptonshire and Peterborough, recognising the importance of the valley for wildlife and the strong partnership between private, public and voluntary sector organisations. The Nene Valley NIA project will receive significant Government funding over three years and is being led by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire, together with the River Nene Regional Park. The wider Nene Valley NIA partnership includes over 20 other organisations including the Environment Agency, River Restoration Centre, Northamptonshire County Council, The University of Northampton, Peterborough City Council and the RSPB.

NVNIA Management Plans

The Nene Valley Strategic Plan is the culmination of partner and stakeholder engagement that has helped to shape this ambitious vision for the Nene Valley and provide a framework for the future. [ 3MB ]